A LOGGING device which feeds information from water mains direct to engineers' mobile phones is the latest weapon to beat leaks in Lancashire.

Engineers will be able to call the Cello logger and be told of any unexpected large increases in the flow of water, letting them know there could be a problem.

The new technology is expected to replace radio technology which needs a 10ins mast to carry out the right leakage tests.

It has a much greater range than radio, is simpler to set up, causes less disruption and is cheaper.

Managers at United Utilities revealed the water supply company was still the industry leader in the battle to stop wasting water after reducing their leakage levels to 463million litres a day (mld).

This figure compares to Ofwat's target of 465 mld.

Larry Hoyle, the man in charge of preventing leaks, said: "This is brand new technology which has not been used anywhere else. It promises to be a tremendous help in detecting leaks and getting them fixed before they cause a problem to customers or road users."